Your generous support is helping the MVJF to adapt to changing interests and needs in our community and connect with more people through programming and assistance. During our fiscal year 2022, we plan to allocate funds to assist local synagogues develop new ways to maximize their potential. Perhaps they will test out new ways of serving their existing members or incubate programs that reach out to Jews who are not engaged in congregational life. Research suggests that more than 50% of self-identified Jews are not members of religious institutions, yet many of them yearn for Jewish connection.
These studies, along with empirical evidence, has identified significant opportunities for the MVJF to build and strengthen Jewish connections through programming. These effort have successfully engaged with participants hereto for not involved with the Federation, and have generated program fees and donations to augment the annual campaign.
We continue to be diligent and responsible with operating expenses. We have had to reduce staff and their hours. We are currently operating with 2 part-time employees. The Board of Directors has been planning with a 6 month horizon, the next 6 months to be determined by the success of our fundraising efforts.
If we continue at half-mast until we can return to live activities, we plan to resume an even more significant role in the Merrimack Valley and reinstitute grants to international organizations. Your support has and will continue to be important to our Federation and Merrimack Valley community.
Thank you so very much.